South Australia Waives Biosecurity Fees for Drought-Stricken Farmers

In a significant move to support farmers impacted by drought, South Australia has announced the waiving of biosecurity inspection fees for those importing fodder from interstate. The Department of Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) has also updated import requirements for hay from Western Australia (WA).

While biosecurity inspections of imported hay will remain in place, eligible drought-affected farmers will see their inspection fees waived, retroactive to November 2024. Farmers wanting reimbursement should reach out to the Drought Hotline at 1800 931 314.

Conditional Entry for WA Hay

Recently, South Australia granted conditional entry for hay imported from low-risk areas in WA, a decision aimed at combating the challenges posed by green snail infestations. Green snails have been known to damage various crops including cabbages, cauliflowers, and wheat, raising concerns that previously halted the import of WA hay.

PIRSA has revised its hay import conditions to align with those of New South Wales and Victoria. Each consignment from WA must now have a Plant Health Import Certificate (PHIC) and a Biosecurity Declaration that identifies its origin. Additional conditions include:

• Consignments must be sealed during transport to prevent spillage.
• A detailed manifest must be submitted to PIRSA prior to arrival.
• PHIC applications can be made online or via email to PIRSA.
• Upon arrival, all consignments will be inspected by PIRSA or registered businesses.

Producers Welcome Changes

South Australian livestock producers, such as Thornby farmer Alex McGorman, have actively organized the shipment of hay from regions like the Northern Territory and Queensland due to dwindling local supplies.

Alex McGorman

Mr. McGorman expressed gratitude towards Livestock SA for addressing the biosecurity and inspection fee hurdles, which previously amounted to $172 per hour for inspections, causing significant financial strain.

As the season progresses, more shipments of hay from Queensland, the Northern Territory, and WA are anticipated. Current prices for oaten and vetch hay are around $500-$590 per tonne, with freight costs averaging about $250 per tonne for grass hay.

Continued Advocacy for Freight Subsidies

Livestock SA has praised the state government’s decision to enable access to hay from parts of Western Australia. However, producers continue to advocate for a freight subsidy program to support those affected by drought.

Livestock SA, led by chief executive officer Travis Tobin, emphasized that the rising costs of sourcing fodder are creating competitive pressures, and a freight support program is urgently needed. Key proposed measures include:

• Subsidies for transporting livestock and fodder.
• Emergency permits for road trains on critical freight routes.
• Vehicle registration concessions for primary producers using their own vehicles.

For more information, farmers can contact the Plant Health Market Access hotline at 08 8207 7814 or via email at PIRSA.PlantHealthMarketAccess@sa.gov.au.